We are herbalists, and not doctors. While we employ several generations of herbal knowledge when creating our recipes, we are by no means an authority on the health or safety of these plants. Below, we've compiled some of the more well known warnings and contraindications for educational purposes, but the following information should not be construed as health advice. Everybody reacts differently to medicinal plants, and it is your responsibility to speak with your doctor or a medical professional prior to using any of Woodland Herbal's products.

Woodland Herbal, LLC.'s products are not reviewed by the FDA. We do not make any claims, promises, or about the health benefits of any products. All statements are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. We only offer our opinions and resources based on research, product testing amongst ourselves, and customer reviews. These products are intended to support well-being and overall awesomeness. All sales are final. Use at your own risk. We are not responsible for accidents, misuse, or adverse reactions.

To be clear: We do not make health claims, offer health-related advice, nor can we diagnose conditions. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or any health-related concern. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Woodland Herbal site. For more information on our Disclosure, click here.

Alfalfa Leaf

•  Children, pregnant women, older adults, or anyone else with a compromised immune system should avoid Alfalfa sprouts.
• Alfalfa should be avoided prior to surgery as it may cause bleeding.

Ginseng, American or Korean Red

• Ginseng has interactions with several medications including Warfarin, medications to treat depression (MAOIs), diabetic medications, and medications that decrease the activity of the immune system. 
• Long-term use or high doses of Ginseng may lead to headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, and other symptoms.
• Women who use Ginseng regularly may experience menstrual changes.

Arnica Flower

• Arnica might slow blood clotting. Taking Arnica along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. 
• Arnica may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. 
• Pregnant women should avoid Arnica without consulting their doctor.

Ashwagandha Root

• People with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis should avoid Ashwagandha as it can cause the immune system to become more active and exacerbate symptoms. 
• It is recommended to stop taking Ashwagandha two weeks before a scheduled surgery as it can interact with anesthesia and sedatives. 
• People with a thyroid disorder should consult a doctor before use as it can increase thyroid production in the body. 
• People on diabetic medication should use with caution as Ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels. 
• Pregnant women are advised against using Ashwagandha as there is evidence it may cause miscarriages.

Astragalus Root

• Pregnant or nursing women should not use Astragalus root. 
• If you have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or another autoimmune disease, you should not use Astragalus root.

Bay Leaf

• Bay can have interactions with several medications including pain medication (Narcotics), sedative medications (CNS depressants), and diabetic medications. Taking large amounts of Bay for pain or sedative reasons can increase the effects and side affects of pain and sedative medications. 
• Bay may lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetics, monitor your sugar closely when using.

Blessed Thistle

• Blessed Thistle can increase stomach acid. People on medications to decrease stomach acid (H-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors) should use with caution.

Brahmi Leaf

• People with the following conditions should consult their doctor before using including slow heart rate, gastrointestinal tract blockage, ulcers, lung conditions, thyroid disorders, and urinary tract problems as Brahmi may exacerbate symptoms. 
• People taking any anticholinergic or cholingeric medications should also consult their doctor as Brahmi increases a chemical in the body called acetylcholine.

Burdock Root

• People who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may have an allergic reaction to Burdock root. 
• Burdock may slow blood clotting, avoid use at least two weeks prior to surgery or if you are on any anticoagulant medications.

Calendula Flower

• People who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may have an allergic reaction to Calendula. 
• Calendula interacts with sedation medications (CNS depressants), which can cause breathing problems or too much sleepiness.

Chaga Mushroom

• People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis should avoid using Chaga as it can cause the immune system to be more active, increasing symptoms.
• Chaga can increase the risk of bleeding, if you have a bleeding disorder you should avoid this mushroom.
• Chaga can also affect blood sugar control, people that are diabetic should closely watch their sugar during use.

Red Clover Flower

• People with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should avoid Red Clover as it can act like estrogen.

Comfrey Leaf/Root

• Comfrey is likely unsafe to take by mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast feeding, the PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) might cause birth defects.
• Comfrey should not be applied to broken or damaged skin, doing so can expose you to large amounts of the chemicals in Comfrey that can cause liver damage.
• People with liver disease, taking hepatotoxic medications, or cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers should avoid Comfrey as it can increase liver damage.

Cordyceps Mushroom

• People with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis  should avoid Cordyceps as it can cause the immune system to become more active increasing the symptoms.
• Cordyceps might slow blood clotting, so people taking anticoagulant/anti platelet medications should be cautious when using this mushroom.

Damiana Leaf

• People with diabetes should be cautious when using Damiana, as it can affect blood sugar levels and cause low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar carefully while using Damiana.

Dandelion Leaf/Root

• People who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may have an allergic reaction to Calendula. 
• People with eczema may have a higher chance of an allergic reaction to Dandelion.
• Dandelion can interact with cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates and glucuronidated medications as Dandelion can change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications.
• Dandelion can interact with water pills as Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium as do these medications, which may cause an excess of potassium in the body.
• Dandelion might slow blood clotting. People who take anticoagulant/anti-platelet medications might have increased their risk of bruising and bleeding.
• People with Diabetes should watch their blood sugar closely when using Dandelion as it can cause blood sugar levels to lower.

Mexican Dream Herb / Calea Zacatechichi

• People who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants might have an allergic reaction to Mexican Dream Herb.
• People who have a psychiatric disorder or are on psychiatric medications should avoid using Mexican Dream Herb as it can cause vivid dreams, disorienting effects, and hallucinations.
• Be watchful when taking sedative medications (CNS depressants) while using Mexican Dream Herb as it can cause excessive sleepiness and breathing problems.
• People with Diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely as Mexican Dream Herb may lower blood sugar levels.

Echinacea

• People with autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pemphigus vulgaris should avoid Echinacea as it can increase the activity of the immune system and exacerbate symptoms.
• Echinacea can affect how the liver and body break down certain medications. Be sure to speak with your doctor or a medical professional prior to use.

Elderflower

• Elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels when using Elderflower. 
• Discontinue use of Elderflower two weeks before surgery.

Eleuthero Root

• People with high blood pressure or a heart condition should only use Eleuthero under the supervision of their doctor as it can cause cause heart pounding and irregular heartbeats.
• People who have hormone sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should use caution when using Eleuthero as it can act like estrogen and worsen these conditions.
• Be cautious when taking digoxin medications, as there is some concern that Eleuthero might increase levels of digoxin causing an increase in the affects and side effects.
• Be cautious when taking medications that are changed by the liver, anti-diabetic medications, anticoagulant medications, medications moved by pumps in cells, and immunosuppressant medications Eleuthero can affect how these medications are broken down by the body,

Feverfew

• Feverfew may contain chemicals that could cause the uterus to contract. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• People who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may have an allergic reaction to Feverfew.
• Discontinue use of Feverfew at least 2 week before surgery as it can slow blood clotting and cause bleeding during surgery.
• Be cautious when using Feverfew with any medications that are changed/broken down by the liver as it can change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications.

Ginger Root

• Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant women are advised to stop the use of Ginger close to their due date, but it is safe to use during the pregnancy for nausea relief.
• People taking any anticoagulant medications or medications used to slow blood clotting should be cautious when using Ginger.
• Ginger can affect how much the body absorbs nifedipine and losartan. Use caution when taking these medications and using Ginger.

Ginkgo Leaf

• Pregnant women should avoid using Ginkgo as it might cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery.
• Ginkgo might interfere with the management of diabetes. If you have diabetes monitor you sugar closely while using Ginkgo.
• People who have had seizures should avoid Ginkgo as it might cause seizures.
• Ginkgo might interfere with fertility, consult with your healthcare provider if you're trying to get pregnant.
• People who take efavirenz should not use Ginkgo, as the extract can decrease the effects of efavirenz. 
• People who take talinolol should not use Ginkgo more than once a day, as Ginkgo can increase levels of talinolol.
• Be cautious when taking xanax, ibuprofen, medications changed by the liver, anti-diabetes medications, medications that increase the risk of seizures, trazadone, warfarin, atorvastatin, risperidone, simvastin, or medications moved by pumps in cells.

Hibiscus Flower

• Hibiscus may cause blood pressure to drop, use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure.
• Avoid Hibiscus if you are allergic or sensitive to members of the Melvaceae family.
• Hibiscus may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria Medications. It may also interact with Medications used for high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Do not use Hibiscus if pregnant.

Holy Basil Leaf

• People with hypothyroidism should use caution when taking Holy Basil as it could further lower thyroxine levels. This could cause hypothyroidism to worsen.
• Holy Basil might slow blood clotting, so people taking any medications that slow blood clotting should exercise caution.
• Stop using Holy Basil at least two weeks before surgery as it could increase the risk of bleeding before and after surgery.
• Holy Basil might lower blood sugar levels, diabetics should monitor their blood sugar closely while using this herb.

Honeysuckle Flower

• Honeysuckle may cause slow blood clotting use caution if you are on any medications that slow blood blotting. Stop taking Honeysuckle at least two weeks before surgery.

Hops Flower

• Some chemicals in Hops can act like the hormone estrogen. People who have conditions that are sensitive to estrogen should use caution when taking Hops.
• Hops might cause too much sleepiness when combined with anesthesia and other medications used in surgery. Stop taking Hops at least two weeks before surgery.
• Be cautious when taking sedative medications and medications changed by the liver.

Kava Kava Root

• US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with Kava Kava. Consult a health care practitioner before use, and if taking any medications, discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. 
• Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, with alcoholic beverages, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. 
• Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or dangerous equipment.

Lemon Balm / Melissa Leaf

• Lemon Balm may change thyroid function and reduce thyroid hormone levels.
• Taking Lemon Balm with sedative medications may cause too much sleepiness or breathing problems.

Lemongrass

• Pregnant women should be cautious when using Lemongrass. It appears to able to start the menstrual flow, which causes concern that it may cause miscarriages.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

• Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

Licorice Root

• Not to be used during pregnancy. Not for use in persons with hypertension, liver disorders, edema, severe kidney insufficiency, low blood potassium, heart disease with edema, or congestive heart failure.

Lotus Flower

• Lotus may lower blood sugar levels, people on diabetes should monitor their sugar closely while using Lotus.
• There is concern that taking Lotus along side pentobarbital medications might cause too much drowsiness so use with caution.

Maca Root

• Extracts of Maca may mimic estrogen. If you have any condition that might be worsened by estrogen, do not use Maca.

Maitake Mushroom

• Maitake may lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely while using this fungi.
• Maitake my increase the blood thinning effects of warfarin and potentially increase the chance of bleeding, so be sure to consult your healthcare provider when using this fungi.
• Maitake may lower blood pressure. If you are on high blood pressure medication monitor your blood pressure closely.

Marshmallow Root

• Orally administered medications should be taken one hour before use or several hours after, as Marshmallow may slow absorption.
• Marshmallow may increase your chance of bleeding and might slow blood clotting.
• Be cautious when taking lithium while using Marshmallow as it might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium.

Milk Thistle

• People who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants might have an allergic reaction to Milk Thistle.
• Milk Thistle might act like estrogen, people who have any condition that may be worsened by estrogen should avoid Milk Thistle.
• Medications broken down by the liver may be affected as Milk Thistle may change how quickly the liver breaks down medications.
• Milk Thistle can affect how much the body absorbs certain medications such as tamoxifen, sirolimis, raloxifene, and morphine.

Motherwort

• Motherwort may contain chemicals that could cause the uterus to contract. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Use of this herb might cause sleepiness when taking sedative medications along with Motherwort as it may result in too much sleepiness.

Mugwort

• Mugwort may contain chemicals that could cause the uterus to contract. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• People who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants might have an allergic reaction to Mugwort.

Nettle, Stinging

• Nettle may contain chemicals that could cause the uterus to contract. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Nettle may lower blood sugar levels, people taking anti-diabetes medications should use caution and watch their blood sugar closely when using Nettle.
• Stinging Nettle contains large amounts of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help clot blood. If taking warfarin, be sure to have your blood checked regularly.
• Stinging Nettle may decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium.

Osha Root

• Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Osha may start menstruation and cause a miscarriage.

Passionflower

• Passionflower may contain chemicals that could cause the uterus to contract. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Passionflower may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. If taking a sedative medication along with Passionflower be cautious as it could cause breathing problems.

Peppermint Leaf

• Medications that are broken down by the liver may be affected as Peppermint may change how quickly the liver breaks down some medications.

Plantain Leaf

• Plantain can affect the uterus and might increase the chance of miscarriage. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Plantain Leaf contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help clot blood. If taking warfarin be sure to have your blood checked regularly.

California Poppy

• California Poppy may cause sleepiness and drowsiness, and people taking sedative medications should use caution when using California Poppy as it may cause too much sleepiness.

Raspberry Leaf

• Raspberry Leaf may slow blood clotting, taking medications that also slow blood clotting may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• Raspberry Leaf might act like estrogen, people who have any condition that may be worsened by estrogen should avoid this herb.

Red Reishi Mushroom

• High doses of Red Reishi might increase the risk of bleeding in people with certain bleeding disorders.
• People taking high blood pressure medication and other medications that slow blood clotting or for diabetes should use caution when using Red Reishi.

Rhodiola Rosea Root

• Rhodiola might stimulate the immune system. Autoimmune conditions might worsen with the use of Rhodiola.
• People taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, and medications that are changed by the liver should use caution when using Rhodiola.

Rosehips

• Rosehips contain Vitamin C. Large doses may lead to Kidney stones. Vitamin C may also interact with certain medications.

Rosemary Leaf

• Rosemary contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, and salicylate, use caution when taking medications containing these chemicals when using Rosemary.
• Rosemary may slow blood clotting, taking medications that reduce blood clotting could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• Rosemary may lower blood sugar levels, so taking diabetic medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low.

Saffron Threads

• Taking Saffron in large amounts may cause uterus contractions. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Saffron may affect mood, it might affect excitability and impulsive behavior in people with bipolar disorder.
• People with allergies to lolium, olea, and salsola plant species may be allergic to Saffron.
• Saffron may lower blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure closely if you are on medications for high blood pressure.
• Saffron may lower blood sugar levels, taking diabetic medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low.
• Saffron may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. If taking a sedative medication along with Saffron be cautious as it could cause breathing problems.

Sage Leaf

• Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. Sage contains thujone which can bring on a menstrual period and reduce breast milk supply.
• Sage may lower blood sugar levels, taking diabetic medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low.
• Sage may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. If taking a sedative medication along with Sage be cautious as it could cause breathing problems.
• Sage may increase the risk of seizures, as it may reduce the effectiveness of seizure medications.
• Sage can affect how quickly the liver breaks down medications. Taking medications that are broken down by the liver while taking Sage could change their effects and produce side effects.

Schisandra Berry

• Schisandra can cause the uterus to contract. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Schisandra Berry can affect how quickly the liver breaks down medications. Taking medications that are broken down by the liver while taking Schisandra could change their effects and produce side effects.
• Schisandra can affect how quickly the body breaks down tracrolimus, midazolam, voriconazole, and siolimus. This can increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
• Schisandra may increase, breakdown, and/or decrease the effects of warfarin.

Shiitake Mushroom

• People with autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pemphigus vulgaris should avoid Shiitake as it can increase the activity of the immune system and exacerbate symptoms.
• Do not use Shiitake if you have a blood disorder called hypereosinophilic syndrome. 

Skullcap Leaf

• Skullcap may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. If taking a sedative medication along with Skullcap be cautious as it could cause breathing problems.

Slippery Elm Bark

• Slippery Elm should be taken with at least 250mL (8 oz) of liquid. Orally administered medications should be taken one hour prior to or several hours after consumption of Slippery Elm. The mucilage may slow the absorption of orally administered medications. 

Spearmint Leaf

• Spearmint may increase kidney and liver damage. Using large amounts of spearmint tea make make kidney disorders and liver disease worsen.
• Spearmint may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. If taking a sedative medication along with Spearmint be cautious as it could cause breathing problems.

St. Johns Wort

• Using St. Johns Wort while pregnant may cause birth defects. Not for use in pregnancy or breast feeding.
• St. John’s Wort might make dementia worse in people with alzheimer’s disease.
• St. John’s Wort can affect how the body breaks down certain medications, this could increase or decrease the effects and side affects of these medications. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
• Do not use St. John’s Wort if taking mood changing medications, especially if taking antidepressants.

Sun Opener

• No hangover or serious side effects are known; except that with over-indulgence you may notice a golden yellow tinge to your vision the following day. 
• Constant to excessive use may eventually hamper short-term memory. 
• Sun Opener may contain natural chemicals that could cause the uterus to contract. Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

• A chemical found in Turkey Tail, PSP or polysaccharide peptide, might change how cyclophosphamide is removed from the body. This may alter how effective it is and cause more side effects.
• Turkey Tail can affect how quickly the liver breaks down medications. Taking medications that are broken down by the liver while taking Turkey Tail could change their effects and produce side effects.

Turmeric Root

• Do not take medicinal amounts of Turmeric if you are pregnant as it may cause a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus. It is considered safe to use in small amounts.
• Do not use Turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
• Turmeric may slow blood clotting.
• Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which may act like the hormone estrogen. This may have effects on hormone sensitive conditions.
• Turmeric may lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm movement.
• Turmeric may damage the liver, so people who have liver disease should avoid this herb.
• Turmeric can affect how the body breaks down certain medications, this could increase or decrease the effects and side affects of these medications. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

Uva Ursi

• Uva Ursi is unsafe to use during pregnancy as it may start labor.
• Uva Ursi contains a chemical that can thin the retina of the eye. Do not use if your retinas are already thinning.
• Uva Ursi can affect how quickly the liver breaks down medications. Taking medications that are broken down by the liver while taking Uva Ursi could change their effects and side effects.
• Uva Ursi may decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. Consult with your healthcare provider before using.

Valerian Root

• Valerian may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. If taking a sedative medication along with Valerian be cautious as it could cause breathing problems.
• Valerian can affect how quickly the liver breaks down medications. Taking medications that are broken down by the liver while taking Valerian could change their effects and side effects.

Willow Bark

• Do not use if allergic to aspirin or other salicylate-containing medications.
• Do not administer to children or adolescents with viral infections due to the possibility of reye's syndrome.
• Willow may reduce blood flow to through the kidneys, so if you have kidney disease do not use Willow.
• Willow may slow blood clotting, taking medications that reduce blood clotting could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• Willow contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin, salsalate, and choline magnesium trisalicylate. This could increase the effects and side effects of these medications.

Yarrow

• Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• People who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may have an allergic reaction to Yarrow.
• Yarrow may decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. Consult with your healthcare provider before using.

Yerba Mate

• Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It also contains caffeine which is high doses can cause miscarriages and premature delivery.
• Yerba Mate is thought to contain a chemical that may cause cancer.
• Caffeine in Yerba Mate can worsen anxiety disorders, cause irregular heartbeats, decrease the effects of medications used to prevent seizures, increase blood pressure, and worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• The caffeine in Yerba Mate can interact with many medications which can change their effectiveness and side effects. Consult with a medical professional before use.

If you are experiencing an adverse reaction, please contact 911 in case of emergency or contact your doctor for further assistance. If you have questions, please email us at Hello@WoodlandHerbal.com or call during business hours at (740) 327-2700.